14 Apr 2014
The beginning of a new year is always a time for predictions and trend forecasts. The beginning of this year was no different, with travel pundits and industry experts predicting that 2014 is set to be the year that luxury holiday buyers switch to private villa rental rather than hotel rooms.
“It is certainly a trend that we have seen at Eden Island,” says Justin Arenhold, the recently appointed Head of the Eden Island Rental Pool Management team
“Some 25% of the homes on Eden Island are owned by homeowners who have upgraded or bought second or more properties because they are recognising the real benefits of having homes to available for renting out to sun-seeking holidaymakers and long term tenants alike. We now have over 150 properties available for rental.”
Eden Island Property Development Company (Seychelles) Limited consists of 580 units, with 460 sold to date. The development began as 56 hectares of reclaimed land, with the far less glamorous name of Zone 10.Renamed as Eden Island in 2005, the land which is connected to the main island of Mahe by a bridge, was sculptured into a series of idyllic inlets and private beaches and waterways. The properties themselves conform to the Creole architectural style of the area, with large verandas, high-pitched red roofs and simple lines.
Justin is looking forward to the challenges ahead. His track record is impressive, with 20 years' management experience in top tier destinations such as North Island in Seychelles and Ellerman House, Cape Grace and the Taj Palace hotels in South Africa.
His expertise in building strong teams and his previous operating experience in Seychelles will stand him in good stead at Eden Island.
“We are building on a solid framework,” he says. “I'll be rolling out new strategies, streamlining systems and setting up further operating processes to the business more efficient, but it all comes down to ensuring that we deliver the best possible experience for the guests and positive returns to our rental pool members.”
For someone whose mantra is 'deliver it right, the first time' this means making sure that the operating systems are top class, there is effective delivery on the sales and marketing strategies and that the right team is in place at all levels of the business.
“The aim is to convert an enquiry into a reservation and a departure into a return visitor,” he says.
While he is the first to admit that there will always be challenges to face, Justin is confident that the unique nature of Eden Island is where the biggest opportunities lie.
“We have a product that no one else has,” he says. “I have been in this industry for two decades and I can honestly say that this is truly a one-of-a-kind destination.”
The island is separated from Victoria by a narrow channel and linked by a bridge so all the cultural and shopping experiences of the Seychelles capital are close at hand.
“They have access to all the amenities, but our guests find that they can easily be occupied on the island itself for three days or more,” Justin says. “There are so many leisure activities available on their doorsteps, from the private beaches to diving, fishing and other water activities. All the facilities for a really special getaway are on the island itself.”
For more information about rentals on Eden Island, contact Justin Arenhold's team at reservations@edenisland.sc or at +2484346061.
Visit the website @: http://www.edenisland.sc
For all media information please contact:
Beryl Eichenberger
